Leaders Edgehill earn crucial point at West Pier

Andy Bloomfield

Leaders Edgehill fought back for 1-1 draw at Scarborough Saturday League Division One title rivals West Pier.

Sean Exley gave Pier the lead early on, the defending champions knowing they needed a win to boost their chances of finishing on top again this season.

Exley broke through the Edgehill defence and took the ball past keeper Chris Ferrey.

Pier could have doubled their lead when Will Jenkinson hit the bar with a flick-on and Sam Garnett's effort from the rebound was saved by Ferrey.

The visitors levelled on the stroke of half-time, Joe Gallagher rifling home his shot past Scott Wardman in a crowded goalmouth.

Wardman pulled off a superb saved after the interval as Edgehill piled on the pressure, the gloveman keeping out Jackson Jowett's effort.

In the final minute Pier almost nicked it when Exley broke through in a one-on-one with Ferrey, but the Edgehill keeper saved his shot, then Liam Cooper broke free in injury-time for the visitors but he sent his strike wide.

Pier boss Andy Spivey said: "It was a good team effort from us but Edgehill will be happier than us as we needed to win that game. We had the better chances but they had more possession."

Edgehill manager Steven Clegg added: "A draw was probably a fair result on the day. The point is much better news for us as they have a lot of games to play on a night and we have points on the board.

"Jamie Patterson and Jackson Jowett were our star players today."

Newlands and Hunmanby United shared the honours in a 2-2 draw.

Robbie Harrison netted United's first, beating the Newlands defence before firing home and Oliver Milner hit their second, with Luke Delve scoring both goals for the home side.